Analogue trauma studies: Mechanisms of symptom development to enhance interventions

Abstract

This symposium brings together studies on mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development that may offer clues for therapeutic interventions. Sensory-rich, intrusive trauma memories are a key symptom of PTSD. Cognitive theories posit that these intrusions result from dysfunctions in the encoding and the subsequent consolidation into memory. The studies in the current symposium examine whether sleep and tonic immobility may affect these processes. To maximize experimental control, all studies used an analogue design with aversive stimuli as a model for trauma and intrusive memories as an outcome measure. The questions addressed include whether behavioural control may mitigate detrimental effects of tonic mobility (Hagenaars and colleagues); what aspects of sleep may be important for trauma memory (Sopp and colleagues) and whether brief sleep episodes (naps) 18 ESTSS 2019 Rotterdam Symposium Abstract Book may protect against intrusions (Kleim &Wilhelm). The symposium will be concluded with a general discussion (Hagenaars) on how the results may inform intervention strategies.